Bob Potter peacefully passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, with his wife, Susan, by his side. He was a true native Floridian, born in Orlando on July 17, 1947. Bob was a Christian and member of Aloma Baptist Church.
Bob was a veteran of the United States Navy and served honorably in Vietnam. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for Valor device for heroism during combat operations. After his military service, Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College.
Bob and Susan met in 1981 while he was working for Wells Fargo and she was a clerk at K-Mart. She gave an Oscar performance to get him to come see her in the hospital for a minor surgery and the rest is history. They married September 28, 1985 and were just shy of their 39th wedding anniversary.
Bob was a devoted father to his sons. He supported their interests and was their all time best toy store friend. Toys "R" Us was a favorite hang out for the boys and him.
Bob was an avid "transportation guy." He loved and collected cars, trains, planes and ships. Some of his son Tim's favorite memories as a child are riding around in the "boom boom car," his vintage Camaro.
After many years of work with T&R Tapping Service, Bob retired and became Susan's best helper around the house. No matter what needed to be done, Bob would do it. He continued to be in charge of the day to day chores even after she retired.
Bob and Susan enjoyed going to all the local theme parks together, especially Walt Disney World. He cherished being an unofficial "Grumpy" to Susan and bag holder while she rode roller coasters. Bob was devoted to his basset hounds and all the many other pets the family could talk him in to taking in.
An avid reader, mysteries, westerns and anything car related were some of his favorite things to read. His subscriptions to many car magazines could be challenging, as he could not part with any of them.
He took great joy in preparing his famous banana pudding and cobbler recipes for his family. He'd always have to growl a little when asked to make them, but afterwards he could be found puttering joyfully in the kitchen as he worked.
Bob was a kind, quiet man who had a quick wit and, although he sometimes could have a salty attitude, never failed to joke around and talk cars with friends and family. We will definitely miss his gentle spirit.
Survivors: His loving wife Susan and their sons Tim (Brandee) and James along with Bob's two sons, Christopher (Jo Ann) and Sean,
his sister Diane Holton (Gene), four grandchildren and many family members and friends in Florida and Mississippi.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Aloma Baptist Church (Boatwright Center), 1815 State Road 436, Winter Park, FL 32792, on August 22, 2024. Visitation begins at 10:30 followed by Bob's service at 11:00. A lite lunch will be served following the service at the church. Please dress casually as Bob was a "blue jeans" kind of guy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Aloma Baptist Church in Bob's memory.